Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB20

Filed
12/23/24  
Out of House Committee
3/25/25  
Voted on by House
4/16/25  
Out of Senate Committee
5/27/25  
Voted on by Senate
5/29/25  
Governor Action
6/20/25  

Caption

Relating to establishing the Applied Sciences Pathway program.

Impact

If implemented, HB20 would modify the Texas Education Code to mandate partnerships between school districts and institutions of higher education for the provision of career and technical education courses. This change could lead to an increase in students acquiring industry-recognized credentials while still completing their high school education, thereby enhancing their readiness for immediate employment in well-paying careers. The bill also allows the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to approve new programs every five years to adapt to evolving labor market requirements.

Summary

House Bill 20 aims to establish the Applied Sciences Pathway program, which facilitates the concurrent earning of high school diplomas and certificates from institutions of higher education. The program will focus on technical education in various high-demand sectors such as plumbing, electrical work, welding, and information technology. By aligning educational outcomes with labor market needs, the bill seeks to bolster the employability of high school students and address workforce shortages in critical industries.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB20 appears largely positive among educators and business leaders who view it as a much-needed framework to improve career readiness for students. Proponents argue that this initiative will not only empower students with practical skills but also respond effectively to the demands of employers seeking qualified candidates. However, some concerns have been raised about the adequacy of resources and support for such programs at the local level, which could influence the bill's overall effectiveness.

Contention

Notable points of contention in discussions about HB20 include the adequacy of funding for the program and the potential pressure it may place on school districts to implement these new courses. Critics worry that without sufficient resources, the program could lead to inequities in educational opportunities, particularly among underfunded districts. Additionally, there are discussions regarding the balance between academic education and vocational training, with some advocates arguing that a focus solely on technical skills may detract from broader academic development.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 29. Educational Programs
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 28. Courses Of Study; Advancement
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2209

Relating to establishing the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program and creating an allotment and outcomes bonus under the Foundation School Program to support the program.

TX HB8

Relating to public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program.

TX HB2615

Relating to the operation by a school district of a foundation and trade diploma program to provide eligible high school students with educational training under a plan for the issuance of a high school diploma and the application of certain student-based allotments under the public school finance system.

TX SB992

Relating to establishing the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program and creating an allotment and outcomes bonus under the Foundation School Program to support the program.

TX HB4402

Relating to the administration of certain assessment instruments, the accountability rating system for assessing campus and district performance, public school career and technology education programs, and an extracurricular and cocurricular allotment under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX SB2539

Relating to the administration, coordination, and support of public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program and an Advanced Career and Education (ACE) scholarship program for students enrolled in dual credit courses.

TX SB2032

Relating to adult high school charter school programs.

TX HB1569

Relating to the establishment of a computer science strategic advisory committee and a grant program for the professional development and training of computer science classroom teachers.

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